JP6169090B2 - Truss end pad fitting - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to aircraft, spacecraft, other vehicles, and other structures, particularly connecting two structures and applying axial loads between these structures to bending stresses in the fitting. And truss end pad fittings that transmit shear stress to a minimum.

  Structures such as aircraft, civil engineering structures, and other large structures can be assembled from groups of assemblies, which in turn can be assembled from groups of subassemblies. In such structures, it is often necessary to transfer large loads between one assembly and an adjacent assembly or subassembly. For example, one wing span long aircraft wing can be attached to the fuselage structure. When the wing curves upward due to the upward air load acting on the wing, a compressive stress is generated on the upper wing surface and a tensile load is generated on the lower wing surface. At the base of the wing where the wing is attached to the aircraft fuselage, or at the base of another wing span length that varies depending on the wing design, it is necessary to transfer large compressive or tensile loads from one structure to another It becomes. Transmitting a tensile load is a more difficult solution than a compressive load for the reasons described herein. The structural details or mechanical fixtures that are often used to transmit these loads are usually referred to as tension clips or tension fittings. Examples of different types of such fittings are shown in FIGS. The dimensions of the various components of such fittings can vary widely. Different types of fittings can include groups of components similar to those described herein. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art angle clip 100 that can be used to connect structures. The angle clip 100 can include an end pad 102. The end pad 102 may include an opening 104 formed in the end pad 102 to accommodate a fastener 106 such as a bolt, or other type of fastener. The fastener 106 can include a shank 109 and a head 110. The opening 104 is formed to a size that prevents the head 110 of the fastener 106 from passing through the opening 104. The end pad 102 can be a plate that supports a fastening load on any adjacent wall by shear and bending forces similar to that shown in FIG. 2B, or shear loads or bending loads. Usually, the end pad 102 has a substantially rectangular shape, for example, a substantially rectangular shape.

  Fasteners 106 or bolts can connect the angle clip 100 or other fitting to the joint fitting of adjacent structures. The angle clip 100 or other fitting can abut the joint fitting of adjacent structures. An example of a fitting that abuts a coupling fitting attached to an adjacent structure is illustrated in FIG.

  All tension clips and tension fittings described herein have a specific feature common to the process by which these clips and fittings transmit tensile loads between two structures: One fitting in one fitting is transmitted through the wall of a fitting attached (or integrated) to the structure, and these loads are transferred to another structure with a high tensile strength fastener (or , High tensile strength fastener group). FIG. 2B shows the tensile force acting on the side walls of the channel tension clip and the high tensile strength fastener shank 109. Thus, when a pair of coupling fittings are subjected to a large load such that these end pads are curved and the side walls between two adjacent fittings separate from each other, the load path can be described as follows: Yes: The tensile load is transmitted from one structure to the side wall group of one fitting to reach the end pad of the fitting, through the tension bolt to the end pad of the adjacent fitting, and then to the adjacent To the fitting sidewalls and then to the adjacent structure.

  The angle clip 100 can include an adjacent wall or sidewall 108 that can project substantially perpendicular to the end pad 102 and substantially parallel to the fastener 106 or bolt axis. A fitting that includes three of the four sides of the quadrangular end pad 102 having adjacent side walls is denoted as channel fitting. An example of a channel fitting 400 that includes three adjacent sidewalls 402, 404, and 406 is shown in FIG. The channel fitting side wall 406 is also referred to as a back plane. When only two sides that intersect at one common corner portion become joint sides with the end pad 102, the fitting is denoted as angle fitting. An example of an angle fitting 300 that includes two adjacent bonded sidewalls 302 and 304 is shown in FIG. When only one side of the quadrangular sides is joined to one side wall, the fitting is denoted as an angle clip 100 as shown in FIG. When the two opposite sides of the square end pad 102 are joined to the side walls 202 and 204, respectively, the fitting is denoted as a channel tension clip. An example of a channel tension clip 200 is illustrated in FIG. 2A as a configuration with two opposing side walls 202 and 204.

  In terms of weight efficiency, channel tension fitting is more efficient than channel fitting, which in turn is more efficient than angle fitting, which in turn is more efficient than channel clips or angle clips. Is. Although processing costs affect channel fitting and channel tension clip design, it is highly desirable to minimize the weight of all structural components of the aircraft or structure used in external space. This is because, over the life of the structure, the weight of each individual part of the vehicle represents a very large amount of fuel with associated costs. Weight savings can further reduce other total benefits such as manufacturing costs and maintenance costs, as the total vehicle weight can be reduced. By designing the fittings described with reference to FIGS. 1-4, specific weights vary depending on parameters such as axial load, fastener or bolt location relative to adjacent walls, and fitting material properties. You can get the parts you have. Accordingly, there is a need for fittings and other components that can reduce the weight of a part or assembly without sacrificing structural integrity or without prohibitive manufacturing or maintenance costs. .

  Further, the axial load from the fastener 106 or the bolt as indicated by the arrow 206 shown in FIG. 2B is further transmitted mainly by the mechanism of the fastener head 110 that clamps the end pad 102 to the end pad 102 shown in FIG. 2B. Is done. From this position, the load is transmitted to the side walls 202 and 204 by combining a shearing force and a bending force. In other words, the end pad 102 behaves like a beam. The phenomenon of transmitting a load by bending from one position to another does not proceed as efficiently as the phenomenon of transmitting a load by an axial force, so the plate is used to transmit the load by bending. Using groups creates inherent inefficiencies.

  Using bolts, the connecting portion is forcibly decentered by a predetermined amount of eccentricity. Since the bolt usually has a head that is 1.6 times the diameter of the bolt shank, these side walls can never be closer from the axis of the bolt than 0.8 times the diameter of the bolt. However, these fittings are formed to have a thick fillet radius at the junction of the end pad 102 and the side walls 108, 202, 204, 302, 304, 402, 404, and 406, causing cracks. There is also a need to further enhance the eccentric effect. Further, unless a socket head with a hole is used, it is necessary to attach a socket wrench to a bolt head. This minimal eccentricity allows the end pad to be of a certain minimum size. In the case of a beam, as the length increases, the stress increases and inefficiency occurs.

  Conventional tension fittings and clip tension bolts are often formed in sizes having large diameters to increase the bending end pad bending strength. The larger the bolt head, the more the fitting strength will be due to the less moment generated at the end pad (specifically, the effective end pad “lever arm” length, the span between the bolt periphery and the fitting wall will be shortened) To be higher). However, this method of increasing the fitting strength increases the weight penalty. The use of heavy weight bolts throughout will ultimately have a higher tensile resistance than the fitting itself, which results in structural inefficiencies.

  The geometry of the fitting and the path of the load through the end pad 102 to the sidewall assumes that the high stress position due to bending passes through the corner where the sidewalls 202 and 204 are joined to the end pad 102. It is said. This region of the structure has a high stress concentration factor for the load, as shown in FIG. 2B. Therefore, even when a thick fillet radius portion is provided, fatigue cracks occur at these positions in the fitting.

  Since the fitting is often formed by a plate or extruded mold, a fillet 210, such as the fillet 210 of FIG. 2B, is necessarily formed, where the direction of maximum stress is a short crossing of the plate 212 shown in FIG. 2B. It is in the direction of material flow on the surface. This material flow direction is usually the weakest and most fragile direction. Since it is inevitable that a load is applied to at least one fillet in this direction, it is necessary to select a metal alloy that is not brittle. However, the final strength is reduced as a price for imparting this ductility. This reduction in allowable stress increases the inefficiency of the fitting.

  The bolt is composed of a shank and a head. The shank portion has a threaded portion that receives a nut that is screwed into the bolt, and an unthreaded portion. In the state of receiving an axial tensile load, the position of the maximum stress is located in the net area under the first thread. Thus, the bolt material in the unthreaded region is not loaded until the final load bearing performance of the material is reached, because the load is limited by the net area under these threads. . In addition, these threads are subject to stress concentrations due to notches formed in the threads. Thus, the efficiency of the threaded bolt itself is reduced. Due to this reduction in efficiency, the bolt diameter must be larger than the bolt diameter in the absence of these effects, which in turn is required if the end pad is not in these effects. It must be wider than the width. Thus, the efficiency loss of the bolt has a complex effect on the rest of the fitting. This combined effect also works in the opposite direction. When the eccentricity of the joint increases, bending force is applied to the bolt. When these bending moments are supported by a bolt, it is necessary to increase the bolt diameter to support these bending moments. Therefore, as the bolt size increases, the eccentricity further increases and the eccentricity itself becomes a complicated shape.

  The fitting is formed from a single material by machining, forging, or extrusion. Certain parts of the fitting are subject to tensile loads, while other parts are subject to compressive or shear loads. These materials used in current fittings are selected to carry these different loads at different parts of the fitting. This results in inefficiencies such as extra weight and cost. Therefore, there is a need for a fitting that can reduce the weight and cost while more efficiently supporting tensile and compressive loads, taking into account that different loads are supported at different parts of the fitting.

  According to one embodiment, the mechanical fitting connecting the structures can include a first plate, an end plate or base structure, and a second plate or plate member. The mechanical fitting may further include a support structure that supports the plate member at a predetermined distance from the end plate or the base structure.

  According to another embodiment, the mechanical fitting connecting the structures can include a first plate, an end plate or base structure, and a second plate or plate member. The mechanical fitting may further include at least one sidewall that extends from the end plate or base structure and is attached to a structure. The mechanical fitting may further include a first inclined plate extending between the plate member and the intersection formed by the at least one side wall and the base structure. The first inclined plate may extend from the base structure at a first predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the base structure. The mechanical fitting may further include a second inclined plate extending between the plate member and the base structure. The second inclined plate may extend from the base structure at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the base structure.

  According to another embodiment, a method for connecting structures includes the step of receiving one end of a fastener through an opening in a base structure of a mechanical fitting and fastening the fastener to a coupling mechanical fitting. Can be included. The method may further include the step of holding the opposite end of the fastener with a plate member of the mechanical fitting. The opposite end of the fastener is adapted to be held by the plate member. The method may further include extending a first inclined plate between the plate member and the base structure. The first inclined plate may extend from the base structure at a first predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the base structure. The method may further include extending a second inclined plate between the plate member and the base structure. The second inclined plate may extend from the base structure at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the base structure.

  According to yet another embodiment, the mechanical fitting connecting the structures comprises: a base structure; a plate member; and a support structure that supports the plate member at a predetermined distance from the base structure. Can do.

  Advantageously, the mechanical fitting further comprises: a fastener; and a hole formed in the plate member to receive the fastener, the fastener adapted to attach the mechanical fitting to another mechanical fitting Said support structure comprises a truss structure; said truss structure: a first inclined plate extending between said plate member and said base structure, said first inclined plate extending from said base structure; A first inclined plate extending at a first predetermined angle relative to a plane of the base structure; and a second inclined plate extending between the plate member and the base structure, the second inclined plate An inclined plate extends from the base structure at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the base structure. , And a second inclined plate.

  The mechanical fitting further includes: at least one side wall extending from the base structure, wherein the first inclined plate is between the plate member and the intersection formed by the base structure and the at least one side wall. The at least one side wall extending; and the at least one other side wall extending from the base structure, wherein the second inclined plate includes the plate member, the base structure, and the at least one other side wall. The at least one other side wall extending between the intersections formed by; and the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle are one of an equal angle and a different angle The base, the plate member, the first inclined plate, and the second inclined plate are integrally made of the same material. The first inclined plate and the second inclined plate are formed integrally with the plate member; and the first inclined plate and the second inclined plate are disposed between the base structure and the plate member. Compared to the material forming the base structure, it is formed of a material having excellent mechanical properties against the compressive force.

  The mechanical fitting further includes: a first side wall extending from one side of the base structure; a second side wall extending from the opposite side of the base structure opposite to the first side wall; and the plate member A band to be attached; a first end abutting on an intersection formed by the band and the plate member; and an opposite end abutting on an intersection formed by the first side wall and the base structure; A first inclined plate comprising: the first inclined plate extending from the base structure at a first predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the base structure; and the strip A second inclined plate including: a first end contacting the intersection formed by the plate member; and an opposite end contacting the intersection formed by the base structure and the second side wall. There are, from the second tilt plate said base structure and extends at a second predetermined angle to the plane of the base structure as a basis, and a second inclined plate.

  The mechanical fitting further includes: a first side wall extending from one side of the base structure; a second side wall extending from the opposite side of the base structure opposite to the first side wall; and a noodle body; A branch strip that extends around the noodle body to define the plate member and includes a first strip portion and a second strip portion extending from the noodle body; A first inclined plate including a first end contacting the belt-like body and an opposite end contacting an intersecting portion formed by the first side wall and the base structure, wherein the first inclined plate is A first inclined plate extending from the base structure at a first predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the base structure; a first end abutting against the strip around the noodle body; and Base structure and A second inclined plate including an opposite end abutting against an intersection formed by the second side wall, wherein the second inclined plate is second from the base structure on the basis of the plane of the base structure. The second inclined plate extending at a predetermined angle; and a cam disposed between the first strip portion and the second strip portion to hold the strip in a predetermined position. .

  According to yet another embodiment, a mechanical fitting for connecting structures is disclosed, the mechanical fitting comprising: a base structure; a plate member; and at least one side wall extending from the base structure and attached to the structure. A first inclined plate extending between the plate member and at least one sidewall and an intersection formed by the base structure, the first inclined plate extending from the base structure to a plane of the base structure; A first inclined plate extending at a first predetermined angle with respect to a first inclined plate; and a second inclined plate extending between the plate member and the base structure, wherein the second inclined plate is A second inclined plate extending from the base structure at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the base structure.

  Advantageously, the mechanical fitting is further: a fastener, wherein the plate member is adapted to hold the fastener; and an opening in the base structure, wherein the opening is Passing through the base structure through the fastener and connecting the mechanical fitting to a coupled mechanical fitting to connect the structure to another structure; and , When the mechanical fitting is connected to the coupling fitting, a compressive load is applied to the first inclined plate and the second inclined plate; the structure and the other structure constitute an aircraft structure; One inclined plate and the second inclined plate are integrally formed on the plate; and The first inclined plate and the second inclined plate have mechanical characteristics that are superior in resistance to the compressive force between the base structure and the plate member as compared with the material forming the base structure. Formed by material.

  According to yet another embodiment, a method of connecting structures is disclosed, the method comprising: receiving one end of a fastener through an opening in a base structure of a mechanical fitting and coupling the fastener A step of coupling the fastener to the mechanical fitting; and a step of holding the opposite end portion of the fastener by the plate member of the mechanical fitting, wherein the opposite end portion of the fastener is held by the plate member. A step of extending a first inclined plate between the plate member and the base structure, wherein the first inclined plate extends from the base structure to the base structure. Extending the first inclined plate extending at a first predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the second plane; and a second inclined play Extending between the plate member and the base structure, wherein the second inclined plate extends from the base structure at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the base structure. Extending the second inclined plate; the mechanical fitting comprises a side wall extending from the base structure, and the method further includes attaching an aircraft structure to the side wall. .

  Other aspects and features of the disclosure, defined solely by the claims, will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following non-limiting detailed description of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying figures. Becomes clear.

In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments of the disclosure. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art angle clip that can be used to connect structures. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an example of a prior art channel tension clip that can be used to connect structures. 2B is a top view of the prior art channel tension clip of FIG. 2A showing the force or load applied to the channel tension clip and the internal tensile and compressive stresses within the clip. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art angle fitting used to connect structures. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of a prior art channel fitting used to connect structures. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example of a mechanical fitting that connects structures and includes an end pad support structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 5B is a top view of a truss channel tension clip including the truss end pad fitting of FIG. 5A, showing the force or load applied to the tension clip and truss end pad fitting, and the internal tensile and compressive stresses within the fitting. . FIG. 6 is a top view of a truss end pad mechanical fitting and a combined truss end pad mechanical fitting connecting structures according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a top view of an example of a truss channel tension clip including a truss end pad fitting according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a top view of an example of a truss channel tension clip including a truss end pad fitting according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a top view of an example of a truss channel tension clip including a truss end pad fitting according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a top view of an example of a truss channel fitting including a truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a truss channel fitting without a toe region and including a truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example of a truss channel fitting including a truss end pad fitting according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an example of a truss angle fitting including a truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13B is an end view of the exemplary truss angle fitting of FIG. 13A along line 13B-13B, showing internal tensile and compressive stresses within the fitting. FIG. 14 is a top view of a pair of prior art angle tension clips that are fastened together to connect two structures. FIG. 15A is a top view of a pair of truss angle tension clips including a truss end pad support structure that joins two structures according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 15B is a top view of the pair of truss angle tension clips of FIG. 15A showing the force or load applied to the tension clip and truss end pad fitting, and the internal tensile and compressive stresses within the fitting. FIG. 16 is a top view of a pair of prior art angle tension fittings that are fastened together to connect two structures. FIG. 17A is a top view of a pair of truss angle tension fittings including a truss end pad support structure that joins two structures according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 17B is a top view of the pair of truss angle tension fittings of FIG. 17A showing the force or load applied to the truss angle tension fitting and the internal tensile and compressive stresses in the fitting. FIG. 18A is a top view of different fittings including a right angle polygon truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18B is a top view of different fittings including a right angle polygon truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18C is a top view of different fittings including a right angle polygon truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18D is a top view of different fittings including a right angle polygon truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18E is a top view of different fittings including a right angle polygon truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18F is an isometric view of different fittings with the end plate removed or altered according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18G is an isometric view of different fittings with the end plate removed or modified according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18H is an isometric view of different fittings with the end plate removed or modified according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18I is an isometric view of different fittings with the end plate removed or modified according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 18J is an isometric view of a different fitting with the end plate removed or modified according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19A is a top view of different fittings including irregular truss end pad fittings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19B is a top view of different fittings including irregular truss end pad fittings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19C is a top view of different fittings including irregular truss end pad fittings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19D is a top view of different fittings including irregular truss end pad fittings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 19E is a top view of different fittings including irregular truss end pad fittings according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a portion of another truss channel fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 20B is a plan view of the exemplary truss channel fitting of FIG. 20A, showing two coupling fittings. 20C is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary truss channel fitting of FIG. 20B along line 20C-20C. 20D is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary truss channel fitting of FIG. 20B along line 20D-20D. 20E is an end view of the example truss channel fitting of FIG. 20B along line 20E-20E. FIG. 21 is an example of an inclined plate used for truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 22A is an example of different cross-sections of an inclined plate along line 22A-22A of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. 22B is an example of different cross-sections of the tilted plate along line 22B-22B of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 22C is an example of different cross sections of the inclined plate along line 22C-22C of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. 22D is an example of different cross-sections of a tilted plate along line 22D-22D of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. 22E is an example of different cross-sections of the tilting plate along the line 22E-22E of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 22F is an example of different cross sections of the tilted plate along line 22F-22F of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. 22G is an example of different cross-sections of the tilted plate along line 22G-22G of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 22H is an example of different cross-sections of an inclined plate along line 22H-22H of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 22I is an example of different cross-sections of a tilted plate along line 22I-22I of FIG. FIG. 22J is an example of different cross-sections of an inclined plate along line 22J-22J of FIG. 21 according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example method for connecting a first structure to at least one other structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

  In the following detailed description of the embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the disclosure. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of this disclosure. Like reference numbers may refer to the same element or component in different drawings.

  FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an example of a mechanical fitting 500 that can be used to connect a structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and includes an end pad support structure 502. The exemplary mechanical fitting 500 of FIG. 5A is a truss channel tension clip type mechanical fitting. The support structure or end pad support structure 502 will first be described with reference to a truss channel tension clip mechanical fitting; however, the end pad support structure 502 or variations of the end pad support structure are described herein. Can be used in connection with other types of fittings, as understood by those skilled in the art. The mechanical fitting 500 can include a first plate, an end plate or base structure 504, and a second plate or plate member 506. The end pad support structure 502 or the plurality of end pad support structures support the second plate or plate member 506 at a predetermined distance from the base structure 504. Although the base structure 504 and the plate member 506 can be substantially parallel to each other, this need not be the case. For example, the plate member 506 can be tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the base structure 504.

  The end pad support structure 502 can include a truss support structure 508 or similar structure. The truss support structure 508 can include a first inclined plate 510 that extends between the plate member 506 and the base structure 504. The first inclined plate 510 extends from the base structure 504 at a first predetermined angle θ with respect to the plane of the base structure 504 indicated by the straight line 512 in FIG. 5B.

  The truss support structure 508 can further include a second inclined plate 514 extending between the plate member 506 and the base structure 504. The second inclined plate 514 extends from the base structure 504 at a second predetermined angle β with respect to the plane 512 of the base structure 504. The first predetermined angle θ and the second predetermined angle β can be equal to each other, or in other embodiments, can be different angles, similar to the configuration shown in FIG.

  The mechanical fitting 500 can further include a fastener 516. The fasteners 516 can be bolts or other types of fasteners similar to the fasteners described herein. A hole or opening 518 can be formed in the base structure 504 to accommodate the fastener 516. Another hole or opening 520 can be formed in the plate member 506 to accommodate the fastener 516. The fastener 516 can be adapted to attach the mechanical fitting 500 to a coupled mechanical fitting similar to the fitting shown in FIGS. 6, 15A, and 17A.

  Mechanical fitting 500 can include at least one sidewall extending from base structure 504. In this configuration, the mechanical fitting 500 represents an angle clip truss fitting similar to each of the coupled angle clip truss fitting groups shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The mechanical fitting 500 or truss channel tension clip shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B includes a first side wall 522 and a second side wall 524. Sidewalls 522 and 524 can extend from opposite ends of base structure 504 on either side of end pad support structure 502 or truss support structure 508. The first inclined plate 510 may extend between the plate member 506 and the intersection 526 formed by the base structure 504 and the first side wall 522. The second inclined plate 514 can extend between the plate member 506 and the intersection 528 formed by the base structure 504 and the second sidewall 524. The truss support structure 508 satisfies force system balance by internal tensile and compressive loads and minimizes the bending moments of members 504, 510, and 514 so that less moment is transmitted to the side walls 522 and 524. Will be. For this reason, the side walls 522 and 524 can be made thinner than conventional mechanical fittings such as the mechanical fittings shown in FIGS.

  According to different embodiments, the truss support structure 508 can be used in place of a conventional tension fitting end pad, such as the fitting shown in FIGS. Can be used in place of other types of mechanical fitting end pads as illustrated and described in the literature.

  FIG. 5B is a top view of a mechanical fitting 500 that includes the truss support structure 508 of FIG. 5A and shows the forces or loads applied to the mechanical fitting 500 and truss support structure 508 and the internal tensile and compressive stresses within the mechanical fitting 500. ing. The inclined plates 510 and 514 transmit the fastener tensile load or bolt tensile load to the side walls 522 and 524 via a load component acting parallel to the fastener 516 or tension bolt. Due to the inclination, these inclined plates 510 and 514 further transmit the horizontal component of the load to the intersections 526 and 528. The load components in the side walls 522 and 524 are tensile load components indicated by arrows 530 and 532 in FIG. 5B. Inclined plates 510 and 514 support only the compressive loads indicated by arrows 534 and 536 in FIG. 5B. The end plate or base structure 504 acts substantially perpendicular to the fastener 516 and supports the horizontal load component transmitted through the inclined plates 510 and 514. Base structure 504 supports only the tensile loads indicated by arrows 538 and 540 in FIG. 5B.

  When a tensile force is applied to each fastener 102 or bolt of the prior art end plate mechanical fitting of FIGS. 1-4, the end plate 102 of the fitting is a coupling fitting similar to the coupling fitting shown in FIG. When the end plate 102 is pressed against the end plate 102, it is in a compressed state. In mechanical fitting 500, the bolt tension or fastener tension acts via inclined plates 510 and 514 that are in axial compression as shown in FIG. 5B and as previously described. The inclined plates 510 and 514 can also be referred to as compression members or pyramid surfaces. The proportion of the mechanical fitting 500 in the vicinity of the fastener 106 and the size of the mechanical fitting 500 in the vicinity of the fastener 106 are such that a very large bending moment is applied to the inclined plates 510 and 514 of the truss structure 508 or the compression member due to the bolt tensile force. It is set so that there is no.

  The forces in the inclined plates 510 and 514, or the compressible member, are counteracted by the base structure 504 and the side walls on each side wall 522 and 524. The vertical component of the force in the inclined plates 510 and 514 is supported only by the side walls 522 and 524. The horizontal component of the force in the inclined plates 510 and 514 is supported by the base structure 504.

  In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the fastener 516 is located between the two side walls 522 and 524. Each side wall 522 and 524 supports approximately one half of the tensile force within fastener 516. The absolute value of the load supported by the base structure 504 varies depending on the angles θ and β formed by the inclined plates 510 and 514 and the base structure 504. As the angles θ and β increase, the force supported by the base structure 504 decreases. As the angles θ and β decrease, the force supported by the base structure 504 increases.

  The shapes of the intersecting portions of the inclined plates 510 and 514, the base structure 504, and the side walls 522 and 524 can be formed such that the central planes of the members intersect at a common intersection. As shown in FIG. 5B, dashed lines are shown extending along the center planes of the inclined plate 514, the base structure 504, and the sidewalls 524 and intersecting at a common point 542. This arrangement minimizes the bending moment resulting from eccentricity in the high compressive strength inclined plates 510 and 514, the base structure 504, and the side walls 522 and 524 when the force locations are not aligned in this manner. be able to.

  FIG. 6 is a top view of an example of a truss end pad mechanical fitting 600 and a combined truss end pad mechanical fitting 602 connecting structures 606 and 608 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary truss end pad mechanical fittings 600 and 602 shown in FIG. 6 are similar to the truss channel tension clip type mechanical fitting 500 that includes a truss support structure 508 similar to the truss support structure described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, respectively. It is. The truss end pad mechanical fittings 600 and 602 can be pressed against each other as shown in FIG. A fastener 516 or tension bolt connects the two fittings 600 and 602 together. Sidewalls 522 and 524 may also support the structure. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the side wall 522 of the truss end pad fitting 602 supports the structure 606 and the side wall 522 of the truss end pad fitting 602 supports the structure 608. The structures 606 and 608 can be attached to the side wall 522 via fasteners or another suitable attachment mechanism. Structures 606 and 608 may be aircraft structures, assemblies, or subassemblies, or structures such as bridges, buildings, or other civil engineering structures. A gap G can be provided between the structures 606 and 608.

  The truss end pad mechanical fitting 600 can be formed from a single material member similar to the exemplary mechanical fitting 500 described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, or the fitting can be formed from different components. Can do. FIG. 7 is a top view of an example of a truss end pad mechanical fitting 700 including a truss support structure 708 that is a discrete component according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The truss support structure 708 can include a second plate or plate member 706 that can be integrally formed separately from the end plate or base structure 704 and the side walls 722 and 724, and first and second inclined plates 710 and 714. . The end of each of the inclined plates 710 and 714 can abut or contact the base structure 704 and the intersections 726 and 728 formed by the side walls of the side walls 722 and 724.

  The truss support structure 708 can be formed of a different material than the base structure 704 and the side walls 722 and 724. By selecting the material of the truss support structure 708, the first and second inclined plates 710 and 714 may have advantageous mechanical properties in the compressed state, or compressive force or compressive load between the base structure 704 and the plate member 706. Can be made of a material that has higher mechanical properties than the material that can be selected to form the base structure 704 and the sidewalls 722 and 724. Similarly, the material of the base structure 704 and the side walls 722 and 724 can be selected to provide advantageous mechanical properties under conditions of tensile loads or forces, or mechanical properties that are highly resistant to tensile loads or forces. Can be realized.

  In addition, depending on the fitting application or usage, materials having different properties such as different electrical properties, electrical conductivity, heat resistance, insulation, or other advantageous properties may be selected to provide the truss support structure 708 and A base structure 704 and sidewalls 722 and 724 can be formed. The truss support structure 708 can also be applied to other types of mechanical fittings. The truss support structure 708 can also be described as a compressible member. The cross-sectional areas of the inclined members 710 and 714 can be increased at the ends of these members where they are in contact with the intersections 730 and 732. By increasing the area in this way, it is possible to reduce the supporting stress in the members 710 and 714 and in the material near the intersections 730 and 732. Further, the enlarged radii at the ends of the inclined members 710 and 714 can be combined with the fillet radii 734 and 736 to further reduce stress concentrations in the base structure 704. Further, surface treatments including shot peening, lubricants, and coatings can protect the contact surfaces between the base structure 704, fillet radii 734 and 736, and the truss support structure 708. Further, the truss support structure 708 can be formed of an electrically insulating material that can be advantageous in certain applications.

  FIG. 8 is a top view of an example of a truss end pad mechanical fitting 800 including a truss support structure 808 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The truss end pad mechanical fitting 800 is similar to the mechanical fittings 500 and 700 except that the fastener 516 or bolt can be replaced by another type of tension member, such as a strip 816 or other type of tension member. can do. Another difference is that the inclined plates 810 and 814, or compression members, are not integrally formed with the second plate or plate member 806. One advantage of the tension member or band 816 over threaded bolts is that the band 816 can be more efficient because the band 816 can eliminate threads. To apply a tensile force to the tension member or strip 816, a force is applied to the strip 816 in the direction of arrow 834 to generate a tensile force in the strip 816 and to apply a compressive force to the compression member or inclined plate 810. And 814.

  The strip 816 can be formed integrally with the plate member 806, as shown in FIG. 8, or the plate member 806 can be attached to the strip 816 by some mechanism. The first inclined plate 810 may include a first end 826 that abuts on an intersection formed by the strip 816 and the plate member 806. The opposite end 828 of the first inclined plate 810 abuts the intersection formed by the first sidewall 822 and the end plate or base structure 804. The first inclined plate 810 can extend from the base structure 804 at a first predetermined angle θ with respect to the plane of the base structure 804.

  The second inclined plate 814 may include a first end portion 830 that abuts an intersecting portion formed by the strip 816 and the plate member 806. The opposite end 832 of the second inclined plate 814 can abut the intersection formed by the base structure 804 and the second side wall 824 of the truss end pad mechanical fitting 800. The second inclined plate 814 can extend from the base structure 804 at a second predetermined angle β with respect to the plane of the base structure 804. The strip 816 and the first and second inclined plates 810 and 814 can also be applied to other types of mechanical fittings.

  FIG. 9 is a top view of an example of a truss end pad mechanical fitting 900 that includes a truss support structure 908 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. The truss end pad mechanical fitting 900 can be similar to the mechanical fitting 500 of FIG. 5A except that the fastener 916 is closer to one of these sidewalls and the truss support structure 908 is Like the fastener 916 shown in FIG. The truss end pad mechanical fitting 900 can include a side wall 924 that can be thicker in proportion to the distance of the fasteners 916 from the respective side walls 922 and 924 than the other side wall 922. Further, the angles of the tilt members 910 and 914 are different with respect to the plane of the end plate or base structure 904, and the thickness of the tilt members 910 and 914 can be varied to absorb differences in compressive loads. . The angle and thickness of the inclined members 910 and 914 can be adjusted to maintain the minimum weight of the mechanical fitting 900 and to minimize the moment resulting from eccentricity.

  The support structure or truss support structure 508-908 described with reference to FIGS. 5-9 can also be applied to other types of fittings. FIG. 10 is a top view of an example of a truss channel fitting 1000 including a truss support structure 1008 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Truss channel mechanical fitting 1000 includes an adjacent sidewall or backplane 1026 between sidewalls 1022 and 1024. Otherwise, the truss channel fitting 1000 is similar to the mechanical fitting 500 described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Since the width of the inclined plates 1010 and 1014 or the compressible member changes from the narrow width “W1” near the bolt 1016 to the wide width “W2” near the side walls 1022 and 1024, the thickness of the inclined plates 1010 and 1014 is also near the bolt 1016. The wall thickness changes from the wall thickness to the wall thickness near the side walls 1022 and 1024. The width and thickness of the inclined plates 1010 and 1014 or the compressible member can be changed so that the cross-sectional areas of the inclined plates 1010 and 1014 are substantially constant.

  The exemplary truss end pad fittings described herein can impart rigidity or hardness to the connection of the structure that is close to the rigidity or hardness of the base material of the structure. This is because the exemplary truss end pad fitting described herein is similar to the truss end pad fitting shown in FIG. 6, through the tension plate (eg, fastener or bolt) through the inclined plate or compression member, This is because it becomes a direct load path to the region of the end plate or base structure that abuts the adjacent mirror symmetric fitting or coupling fitting to which the opposite end of the tension member is attached. Thus, the “toe” area normally required for prior art fittings such as the toe area 408 of FIG. 4 is not required. Opening 1028 shows the toe region removed.

  FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an example of a truss channel fitting 1100 without a toe region and including a truss end pad structure 1108 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Opening 1102 shows the toe region removed. Force from the fastener or tension member 1116 is directly supported by the inclined plates 1110 and 1114 or compression members and transmitted to the end plate or base member or base structure 1104 and the side walls 1122 and 1124. The longitudinal components of these forces are supported by the side walls 1122 and 1124 and transmitted to the backplane 1126 by shear forces. The truss channel fitting 1100 can be effectively clamped with an adjacent mirror symmetry fitting on the other side at the intersection of the inclined plates 1110 and 1114 and the side walls 1122 and 1124, and without the truss structure described herein. It is not tightened at the bolt or fastener position as in prior art end pad fittings.

  As previously described, the limitation of the prior art fitting is the size of the fillet radius between the backplane and the end plate or end pad to prevent premature cracking in the fillet radius. The exemplary truss channel fitting 1100 of FIG. 11 eliminates this deficiency by eliminating the toe region by forming an opening 1102 between the base member or base structure 1104 and the backplane 1126. It is avoiding. Since the load path no longer passes directly between the tension member 1116 and the backplane 1126, the intersection between these two members has been removed. Furthermore, if the material is present in that part of the fitting, the stress in the presence of that material is small and the stability of any other part of the fitting is not necessary, so the back of the fitting near the front The material in the plane is removed to form the opening 1102 so as to have a “scalloped” shape illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS.

  This concept can also be used to address an example truss channel fitting 1200 with greater eccentricity, eg, greater eccentricity of the bolt 1216 of FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example truss channel fitting 1200 that includes an eccentric truss end pad structure 1208 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, side members 1222 and 1224 that function like trusses are used in place of the side walls 1122 and 1124 that are full of FIG. In this fitting, just as in the truss channel fitting 1100 shown in FIG. 11, the tensile load of the bolt 1216 is supported by the compressible members 1210 and 1214 and transmitted to the side members 1222 and 1224. Instead of the load being transmitted to the backplane 1226 by shear forces, the load is supported by the axial tensile forces of the side members 1222 and 1224. This axial tensile force then becomes a shear force and is transmitted to the backplane 1226 near the end 1228 of the truss channel fitting 1200.

  With the truss support structure 1208 having a large eccentricity, a horizontal member is required to prevent the truss channel fitting 1200 from spreading at the position of the backplane 1226 near the shell 1202. If the hole 1218 of the base member or base structure 1204 is a tight fitting hole, a side load may be transmitted to the truss channel fitting 1200. A loose fit hole 1218 is shown in FIG. 12 to avoid the possibility of a side load being transmitted to the truss channel fitting 1200. In this case, diagonal members 1230 and 1232 are added as shown in FIG. 12 so that this lateral load can be efficiently transmitted.

  FIG. 13A is a perspective view of an example of a truss angle fitting 1300 that includes a truss end pad structure 1308 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13B is an end view of the exemplary truss angle fitting 1300 of FIG. 13A viewed along line 13B-13B. FIG. 13B further shows the internal tensile stress and internal compressive stress of the end plate 1304 and the inclined plates 1310 and 1314. As with other mechanical fittings described herein, tensile forces in bolts 1316 or other fasteners are supported by two inclined plates 1310 and 1314 or compression members to form base structure 1304 and sidewalls 1322 and 1324. Is transmitted to. In the truss angle fitting 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the forces transmitted to the side walls 1322 and 1324 via the compression members 1310 and 1314 or the inclined plate group are supported in this manner, and the end portion of the truss angle fitting 1300 is configured. The portion 1320 is transmitted via the outer chord 1326 and the upper chord 1328 of the side walls 1322 and 1324, respectively, that intersect or merge in the vicinity of the end component 1320 of the truss angle fitting 1300.

  FIG. 14 is a top view of a pair of angle clips 100 according to the prior art that are fastened together to connect two structures 1400 and 1402. These angle clips 100 are the same as the angle clips 100 described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15A is a top view of a pair of truss angle tension clips 1500, each truss angle tension clip including a truss end pad support structure 1502 joining two structures 1504 and 1506 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. . 15B is a top view of the pair of truss angle tension clips 1500 of FIG. 15A, where forces or loads are applied to these truss angle tension clips 1500 and truss end pad support structures 1502 and tensile and compressive stresses are fitted. It shows a state that occurs in these members. Each of these truss angle tension clips 1500 can include a base member or base structure 1508 and a plate member 1510. The first inclined plate 1512 and the second inclined plate 1514, or the compression member group, can extend between the plate member 1510 and the base structure 1508. These truss angle tension clips 1500 can be fastened together by tension members 1516 or bolts. Each of these truss angle tension clips 1500 includes a sidewall 1518 extending from the base structure 1508. Each side wall 1518 can extend substantially perpendicular to the base structure 1508, but the side wall 1518 can extend from the end plate 1508 at some other angle, depending on the application. The truss end pad support structure 1502 can remove the bending caused by the tension member 1516. Accordingly, the tension member 1516 can be made smaller than the tension member connected to the prior art angle clip 100 of FIG. Further, the thickness of these sidewalls 1518 can be reduced compared to the sidewall group 108, as can be seen by comparing FIGS. 15A and 15B to FIG. 4, because the bending stress is This is because the truss end pad support structure 1502 is greatly minimized as compared to the 14 prior art angle clips 100.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the inclined plate 1512 or compression member on one side of the truss end pad support structure 1502 does not have sidewalls or vertical legs adjacent to the inclined plate or compression member. . This is not important because the purpose of the truss fitting is to tightly unite the two side walls 1518 at the connecting surface between the two fittings. Since the inclined plates 1512 and 1514 or the compression member group are provided only because symmetry is necessary, the force acting on the head (head) of the tension member 1516 and the base member group or the base structure group 1508 The forces acting along the binding surface are balanced. Excluding the net horizontal force, force balance occurs due to the inclined plates 1512 and 1514. The net horizontal force is balanced by a pair of base structures 1508 that are in tension.

  The arrangement of inclined plates 1512 and 1514 or compression members illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B can also be applied to angle fittings, channel fittings, and other mechanical fittings. FIG. 16 is a top view of a pair of angle tension fittings 1600 according to the prior art that are fastened together to connect two structures 1602 and 1604. FIG. 17A is a top view of a pair of truss angle tension fittings 1700, each truss angle tension fitting including a truss end pad support structure 1702 joining two structures 1704 and 1706 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. . FIG. 17B is a top view of the pair of truss angle tension fittings 1700 of FIG. 17A, showing the force or load acting on the tension clip and truss end pad support structure 1702, and the internal tensile and compressive stresses. . In the embodiment of FIGS. 17A and 17B, these truss end pad support structures 1702 are separate components from the truss angle tension fitting 1700 and are formed separately. The truss end pad support structure 1702 can be similar to the truss support structure 708 described with reference to FIG. 7, or the truss end pad support structure 1702 can be integrated as described with reference to FIG. Can be arranged. In other embodiments, the truss end pad support structure 1702 can be arranged as a separate member, as described with reference to FIG. The fittings 1500 and 1700 of FIGS. 15 and 16 are shown to be mirror-symmetrical or substantially identical to each other, but these fittings need not be this way and may have different configurations. Can be or different types of fittings.

  One feature of the truss angle tension fitting 1700 is that the truss angle tension fitting smoothly transfers the load from one fitting to the fitting to which the fitting is coupled along all of the boundary groups having a backup structure. It is possible to do. A significant advantage of the truss end pad arrangement is that it provides an advantage over the prior art fitting that is clamped at a remote location (bolt or tension member location) as described in section [0003] for the prior art fitting. In contrast, these coupling surfaces can be clamped very close to the position of the coupling surface. Prior art fittings tend to “open up” at the end pad bends, resulting in low joint stiffness. The fitting described in the present invention maintains the joint stiffness of the fitting under a greater load until the tension member extends very large so that the fittings are separated. Therefore, in the case of an angle clip, one side is firmly tightened. In the case of a channel tension clip, the two opposing faces are tightened. In the case of an angle clip, two adjacent surfaces are tightened. In the case of channel fitting, three surfaces are tightened. In the case of an angle tension clip, another side is further tightened. This further side does not transmit axial load from one fitting to the other, but this further side is a force system for bolts, compression members and other legs or side walls of angle tension fittings. It is possible to substantially maintain the symmetry.

  In the case of angle fittings and channel fittings, all four sides are tightened, although not all of these sides transfer the load from one fitting to the coupling fitting. However, just as in the case of the angle tension clip, when the other side surface is tightened, the load balance can be secured at the position of the bolt, the compression member group, or the inclined plate group, and the side wall group.

  Different embodiments of truss end pad fittings have been illustrated and described with a right angle polygon configured to use a portion of a right angle polygon side to transfer load from one fitting to a coupling fitting. 18A-18E are top views of different fittings 1800-1808, each including a right polygon truss end pad fitting, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The fitting of FIG. 18A is an angle tension clip 1800 configured such that the sidewall extends only from one side 1810 of the angle tension clip 1800 (shown as a cross hatch). The fitting of FIG. 18B is a channel tension clip that includes sidewalls 1812 and 1814 (shown as cross-hatches) extending from two opposite sides of the truss end pad fitting 1802. The fitting of FIG. 18C is an angle fitting 1804 that includes sidewalls 1816 and 1818 extending from two adjacent sides of the angle fitting 1804. The fitting of FIG. 18D is a channel fitting 1806 that includes sidewalls 1820, 1822, and 1824 extending from three sides of the channel fitting 1806. The fitting of FIG. 18E is a perimeter envelope fitting 1808 that includes sidewalls 1826-1832 extending from all four sides of the perimeter envelope fitting 1808. These sidewalls are illustrated by the cross hatches of FIGS.

  Next, referring to FIG. 18F, a channel tension fitting 1830 is illustrated. This configuration differs from the configuration described so far in that no end plate is provided in this configuration. The function of the end plate (the function of preventing the bottom side of the pyramid shape 1832 from spreading apart) is parallel to the bottom side of the pyramid base 1832 with the lower component of the inclined pyramid shape 1832 being pulled, and the fastener 1833 This is done by extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the long axis. The base structure or base member 1834 of each fitting extending from the side walls 1836 and 1838 may extend only partially between the side walls 1836 and 1838. FIG. 18G shows only the pyramid 1832 with tensile and compressive forces occurring in the illustrated pyramid 1832. The compressive forces in these pyramid planes are oriented in the same direction as the compressive forces in the inclined plate shown in FIGS. 5B, 15B, and 17B. The lower components of these pyramid surfaces in the vicinity of the base receive a tensile force in the circumferential direction along the base of the pyramid 1832.

  FIG. 18H is an example of another embodiment of a pyramid 1840. In FIG. 18H, material is added to the bottom of the pyramid 1840 to increase the rigidity and efficiency of this configuration or configuration as compared to the configuration shown in FIG. 18G.

  FIG. 18I is an example of another embodiment of a pyramid 1842. In FIG. 18I, instead of the inclined plate group of the pyramid 1832, an elongated member group substantially along the ridgeline of the pyramid 1842 is used. These elongated members support compressive forces. The outer peripheral edge of the bottom side of the pyramid 1842 is also configured by an elongated member group that supports a tensile force. Accordingly, these elongated perimeter members perform the same restraining function as the end plate of the fitting shown in FIGS. 5B, 15B, and 17b including the end plate.

  The configuration or form of the pyramid 1844 shown in FIG. 18J is the same as that shown in FIG. 18I except that a diagonal elongated member group is used in place of these elongated outer peripheral members. These diagonal elongated members support tensile forces and also perform a restraining function like the group of elongated outer peripheral members configured as shown in FIG. 18I. Those of ordinary skill in the art can arrange these pyramids and base materials in many ways, and only a few of these methods are exemplified herein. You will understand that.

  Referring to FIG. 18H, note that the material of the bottom surface 1846 of the fitting is in the plane of the base. Referring to FIG. 18J, these elongate members are positioned such that they are closer to the bolt head by a distance from the bottom plane that couples to another structure or adjacent fitting. Please note that it has been. Due to this distance, a minute moment is generated in the inclined elongated member group. However, if it is advantageous to arrange the elongated perimeter members in this way for reasons of easier manufacture, these very small moments can easily be tolerated. This general principle applies to all fittings in this disclosure. The greatest benefit from weight savings can be realized by arranging the inclined plates and / or elongate members so that they support axial tensile or compressive forces, but ideally Minor moments generated by minor deviations from the geometry can be tolerated when other reasons such as easier manufacturing or easier assembly pose significant advantages.

  The truss end pad fittings can be formed in different shapes or can include different shaped end plate groups such as, for example, irregular polygons with more than two sides. Some of these ridges can transfer loads from one fitting to a coupling fitting. There are no restrictions on the placement of edges that transmit or do not transmit loads. For maximum efficiency, the compression member groups or inclined plate groups are placed at these points or ridges having a coupling structure. 19A-19E are top views of different fittings 1900-1908, each including an irregularly shaped truss end pad fitting according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The side walls extending from the irregular shape fittings 1900 to 1908 are illustrated by applying a cross hatch to the side walls extending from the paper surface. Figures 19D and 19E show that the side walls of the fitting need not be straight. Straight wall groups, inclined plate groups, and end plate groups are usually most efficient, but non-straight side wall groups, inclined plate groups, or end plate groups can be used.

  FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a portion of an example truss end pad fitting 2000 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 20B is a plan view of the exemplary truss end pad fitting 2000 of FIG. 20A. 20C is a cross-sectional view of the example truss end pad fitting 2000 of FIG. 20B along line 20C-20C. 20D is a cross-sectional view of the example truss end pad fitting 2000 of FIG. 20B along line 20D-20D. 20E is an end view of the example truss end pad fitting 2000 of FIG. 20B at a position along the straight line 20E-20E.

  Each truss end pad fitting 2000 includes a support fitting 2002. Support fitting 2002 may include an integrally formed end plate, base structure or membrane 2004, and sidewalls 2006 and 2008. The membrane 2004 and the side walls 2006 and 2008 can form a cavity 2209 of the support fitting 2002. The truss end pad fitting 2000 can further include a tension member or strip 2010. The strip 2010 supports tensile loads and is used in place of conventional truss end pad fitting fasteners or bolts. As shown most clearly in FIG. 20C, the base structure or membrane 2004 of the support fitting 2002 includes an opening 2011 therein through which the strip 2010 is most clearly shown in FIG. 20B. Can extend between the coupling support fittings 2002a and 2002b. The base structure or membrane 2004a of one support fitting 2002a can be different from the base structure or membrane 2004b of the combined support fitting 2002b, as shown in FIG. 20B. The base structure or membrane 2004a can be curved toward the interior of the cavity 2009 of the support fitting 2002a. Alternatively, the base structure or membrane 2004a can have a flange 2004b protruding into the cavity 2009 of the support fitting 2002a. In other embodiments, these end plates may be the same.

  The truss end pad fitting 2000 may further include a pair of compression members, inclined plates or elbow portions 2012 and 2014 that support a compressive load. The elbow portions 2012 and 2014 can be the same as or similar to the previously described inclined plate group.

  The noodle body 2016 or other retaining mechanism prevents the strip 2010 from sliding after passing the elbow portions 2012 and 2014. The noodle body 2016 can have any shape that can hold the end of each of the elbow portions 2012 and 2014 as shown in FIGS. 20A and 20B. The band-shaped body 2010 is a branched band-shaped body including a first band-shaped body portion 2010a and a second band-shaped body portion 2010b. The strip 2010 extends around the noodle body 2016 and can define a second plate, or performs the function of the second plate in previous embodiments. The noodle body 2016 can also be used in place of the bolt head or fastener head while holding the elbow portions 2012 and 2014, the compression member group, or the inclined plate group. Therefore, the end portion of the first elbow portion 2012 or the inclined plate can abut on the cross-shaped portion or the stop portion formed by the strip-shaped body 2010 extending around the noodle body 2016 or the second plate. The opposite end portion of the first elbow portion 2012 can abut on an intersecting portion formed by the membrane 2004 and the side wall 2008 of the support fitting 2002. Similarly, the second elbow portion 2014 or the inclined plate can abut an intersection or stop formed by a strip 2010 extending around the noodle body 2016 and opposite the first elbow portion 2012. The end can abut an intersection formed by the membrane 2004 and the other side wall 2006 of the support fitting 2002. Each of the first elbow portion 2012 and the second elbow portion 2014 can extend from the membrane 2004 at a predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the membrane 2004.

  The elbow portions 2012 and 2014 have the end portions of these elbow portions pressed and housed in the first band-shaped body portion 2010a and the second band-shaped body portion 2010b of the support fitting 2002 and the end plate or membrane 2004, thereby reducing support stress. It can be specially formed so that it can. The ends of the elbows 2012 and 2014 can be treated or coated with a material that advantageously makes a boundary between the two materials of the elbow and the support fitting 2002. For example, by selecting a coating to protect the components from galvanic corrosion, the coefficient of friction between these components can be increased or decreased, e.g. By coating with a coating, some other desired purpose or performance characteristics may be met. This feature can also be applied to the fitting described with reference to FIGS. A strain measuring element may be attached to or embedded in the elbow portions 2012 and 2014 to measure the load in the fitting 2000.

  The truss end pad fitting 2000 further includes a cam 2018 or similar shape that widens and separates the two strip portions of the strip 2010 to provide additional tensile force to the strip portions 2010a and 2010b. be able to. The strip 2010 is used in place of conventional fitting bolts or other fasteners. The cam 2018 includes a knob 2019 that operates the cam 2018 so that a tensile force can be applied to the strip 2010 as shown most clearly in FIG. 20C. The strip 2010 can be formed of a metal material or any other material having a high tensile strength. The band 2010 need not have very high stiffness, but it must have sufficiently high rigidity to be effective when the cam 2018 tensions the band portions 2010a and 2010b with the pin. By forming the cam 2018 into a substantially elliptical shape, it is possible to adjust the posture of the cam 2018 so that the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the axis of the belt-like body 2010 is reduced during assembly. After all the components of the fitting 2000 are in place, the cam 2018 is rotated so that the longitudinal dimension of the cam 2018 is perpendicular to the axis of the strip portions 2010a and 2010b. The spacing between the strips can be widened to apply a tensile force to the strip 2010 and hold the elbows 2012 and 2014 in place. When the tensile force is applied by rotating the cam 2018, the tensile strain is sufficiently applied to the band-like body portions 2010a and 2010b, and a preload having a desired size can be generated in the fitting 2000.

  In the case where the band-shaped body 2010 is formed of a metal material filled with the contents, when the cam 2018 acts on the band-shaped body 2010 and the interval is widened, there is a risk of causing yield failure. Accordingly, the belt-like body 2010 becomes a consumable or disposable item similar to the cotter pin when the fitting 2000 is disassembled for maintenance. Further, the band-like body 2010 can be formed by a plurality of wires that can be wound around the cable-like noodle body 2016. The plurality of wires can have sufficiently high rigidity and high tensile strength, but can have sufficiently high flexibility with respect to bending. Therefore, when the cam 2018 acts and the interval is widened, a large bending stress is not generated in the vicinity of the noodle body 2016 and a plurality of wires in the vicinity of the cam 2018. The allowable stress for fine wires is usually greater than the allowable stress observed for a filled material. Therefore, a minute cross-sectional area can be used. The plurality of wires can also maintain resistance to fatigue deterioration. If a single wire cracks, the defect does not spread to adjacent wires as in the case of a packable malleable metal strip.

  The strip 2010 can also be formed of fibers such as carbon fibers, Kevlar fibers, or similar fiber materials with very high strength and rigidity. Kevlar is an E. coli company located in the United States, other countries, or both. I. It is a registered trademark of Dupont de Nemours and Company. When such a fiber material is used, the cross-sectional area can be further reduced, which in turn can reduce the eccentricity in the same way as the eccentricity described previously. When a non-metallic (non-conductive) material is used for the strip 2010, a single metal wire (or thin series of metal wires) is a strain gauge that measures the load in the strip 2010 and hence the load in the fitting 2000. Can function as.

  The cam 2018 is able to lock the cam 2018 in place with a strip-like body 2010 that is in tension, so that the cam 2018 can be in a preferred orientation due to vibration or other environmental effects. A detent mechanism or other mechanism can be included to prevent rotation out of the corner.

  A cover or retention bar 2020 is provided to prevent the noodle body 2016 and elbow portions 2012 and 2014 from moving vertically away from the lower wall 2022 of the support fitting 2002 and out of the cavity 2009 of the fitting 2000. be able to.

  Since the belt-like body 2010, the elbow parts 2012 and 2014, and other constituent members are separate, these constituent members are different in conductivity or insulation, thermal conductivity or thermal insulation depending on the design and application of the fitting 2000, respectively. Can be formed from different materials having different material characteristics or properties, such as properties, or other material properties. These components can further include features that can provide some degree of vibration isolation if desired or necessary. When the fitting 2000 is a fitting that receives a smaller load, a vibration-absorbing material capable of achieving a certain degree of vibration isolation can be used instead of a specific component of the fitting. These shapes can also be applied to other fittings described herein.

  FIG. 21 is an example of a truss support structure 2100 used for mechanical fitting similar to the fitting described herein in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The truss support structure 2100 can also be expressed as a compression member. The truss support structure 2100 or compression member can be generally pyramidal as shown in FIG. Similar to the truss support structure described so far, the truss support structure 2100 can include two inclined plates 2102 and 2104 joined by an upper or top plate 2106, or two pyramid surfaces. The top plate 2106 can be adapted to receive a fastener (not shown in FIG. 21). The top plate 2106 may have an opening 2108 formed in the top plate to accommodate a tension member or fastener, such as a bolt or other fastener similar to the bolt or fastener described herein. . The tension member or fastener can include a head or fitting that abuts or contacts the periphery or boundary of the opening 2108 so that the fastener is gripped or held by the truss support structure 2100 and tensile force is applied to the fastener. When applied, a tensile force is applied to the fastener and a compressive force is generated in the inclined plates 2102 and 2104 of the truss support structure 2100 or in a compression member similar to the compression member illustrated and described herein. Can be made.

  The truss support structure 2100 shown in FIG. 21 and illustrated in the other truss end plate fitting configuration described above is illustrated as including generally flat inclined plates 2102 and 2104. For fittings that receive larger loads, the thickness T of the truss support structure 2100 is compared to the slope height H of the inclined plates 2102 and 2104 so that structural instability caused by buckling or deformation is not a concern. It needs to be large enough. However, for fittings that receive smaller loads, the thickness of the inclined plates 2102 and 2104 can be sufficiently small even if the shape of these inclined plates causes buckling. In this case, the inclined plates 2102 and 2104 need not have a substantially constant cross section, but may vary in thickness, may have a rigid member, or may be formed in different shapes. 22A to 22J are examples of different cross sections of the inclined plates 2102 and 2104 along the straight line 22A-22A of FIG. Depending on the application and load, the inclined plates 2102 and 2104 may each have a different cross-section of the exemplary cross-sections shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an example method 2300 for connecting a first structure to at least one other structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The first structure and the at least one other structure may be an aircraft, civil engineering structure, or other assembly or subassembly structure. At a block 2302, the end of the fastener is received through an opening in the end plate of the mechanical fitting, the fastener is fastened to the combined mechanical fitting, and the first structure is at least one other structure. Connecting.

  In block 2304, the opposite end of the fastener is held by the second plate or upper plate of the mechanical fitting. The opposite end of the fastener is adapted to be gripped or held by the second plate or top plate.

  At block 2306, the first inclined plate or pyramid surface of the compression member can extend between the second plate or upper plate and the end plate. The first inclined plate or pyramid surface of the compression member may extend from the end plate at a first predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the end plate. The first inclined plate or pyramid surface can be formed integrally with the second plate or upper plate, or can be a separate component of the truss support structure, or can be a compression member. The first inclined plate or the pyramid surface may be formed of a material different from that of the end plate, thereby realizing desired performance characteristics or selection characteristics such as excellent load resistance and light weight under a compressive load. it can.

  At block 2308, the second inclined plate or pyramid surface of the compression member can extend between the second plate or upper plate and the end plate. The second inclined plate or pyramid surface can extend from the end plate at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the end plate. The second inclined plate or pyramid surface can be formed integrally with the second plate, or can be a separate component of the support structure, or can be a compression member. By forming the second inclined plate or the pyramid surface from a material different from that of the end plate, it is possible to realize desired performance characteristics or selection characteristics such as excellent load resistance and light weight under a compressive load. it can.

  At block 2310, an aircraft structure, a structure such as a civil engineering structure, or other structure may be attached to a sidewall extending from the end plate of the mechanical fitting to form an assembly.

  The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not used to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are used to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. . Further, the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising”, as used herein, specify the presence of the described feature, integer, step, action, element, and / or component, and 1 It should be understood that it does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

  Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize all configurations contemplated for accomplishing the same purpose in the specifics presented. It will be appreciated that these embodiments can be used in place of the embodiments, and that these embodiments herein can have other uses in other environments. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present disclosure. The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to the specific embodiments described herein.

Claims (10)

Mechanical fitting for connecting structures,
A first base structure;
A first plate member;
A first support structure for supporting the first plate member at a predetermined interval from the first base structure;
In the side opposite to the side where said first supporting structure and the first plate member in the first base structure exists, a second base structure in direct contact with the first base structure,
A second plate member;
A second support structure for supporting the second plate member at a predetermined interval from the second base structure;
The first plate member, the first base structure, the second base structure, and the second plate member extend through openings of the first plate member, the first base structure, the second And a fastener for fastening the second plate member.   The mechanical fitting according to claim 1, wherein each of the first support structure and the second support structure comprises a truss structure. The first support structure includes:
The first plate member extends between the first plate member and the first base structure, and extends from the first base structure at a first predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the first base structure. An inclined plate,
The first plate member extends between the first base structure and the first base structure, and extends from the first base structure at a second predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the first base structure. Two inclined plates;
With
The second support structure includes:
A third member extending between the second plate member and the second base structure and extending from the second base structure at a third predetermined angle with respect to a plane of the second base structure; An inclined plate,
The second plate member extends between the second base structure and the second base structure, and extends from the second base structure at a fourth predetermined angle with respect to the plane of the second base structure. 4 inclined plates,
The mechanical fitting according to claim 2, comprising:   And a first side wall extending from the first base structure and at least a second side wall extending from the second base structure, wherein the first side wall and the first side wall The two side walls are in direct contact with each other and are flush with each other, and the first inclined plate is formed by the first plate member, the first base structure and the at least one first side wall. And the third inclined plate extends between the second plate member and the intersection formed by the second base structure and the at least one second sidewall. The mechanical fitting according to claim 3.   And further comprising at least one third side wall extending from the first base structure and at least one fourth side wall extending from the second base structure, wherein the third side wall and the first side wall 4 side walls are in direct contact with each other and are flush with each other, and the second inclined plate is formed by the first plate member, the first base structure and the at least one third side wall. And the fourth inclined plate extends between the second plate member and the intersection formed by the second base structure and the at least one fourth sidewall. The mechanical fitting according to claim 4, which is present.   The mechanical fitting according to claim 3, wherein the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle are equal, and the third predetermined angle and the fourth predetermined angle are equal.   The mechanical fitting according to claim 3, wherein the first predetermined angle and the second predetermined angle are different angles, and the third predetermined angle and the fourth predetermined angle are different angles.   The first base structure, the first plate member, the first inclined plate, and the second inclined plate are integrally formed of the same material, and the second base structure and the second plate member The mechanical fitting according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the third inclined plate and the fourth inclined plate are integrally formed of the same material.   The first inclined plate and the second inclined plate are formed integrally with the first plate member, and the third inclined plate and the fourth inclined plate are formed integrally with the second plate member. The mechanical fitting according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein   The first inclined plate and the second inclined plate have a compressive force between the first base structure and the first plate member as compared with the material forming the first base structure. The third inclined plate and the fourth inclined plate are formed of a material having excellent mechanical properties and are resistant to a compressive force between the second base structure and the second plate member. The mechanical fitting according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the mechanical fitting is formed of a material having excellent mechanical characteristics as compared with a material forming the second base structure.

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